World’s Best Safari Outfitter | World’s Best Award-Winners

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Last week Ker & Downey President David Marek and Vice President David Jones accepted our award as the World’s Best Safari Outfitter. They celebrated with global partners who shared the honor of winning their category, thanks to the public votes and a dedication to delivering the very best in service. We’re in good company with some of the very best in the world.

Best Hotels in the World

The Oberoi Hotel Udaivilas is in the Hall of Fame for making the World’s Best List for ten years, but this year it took home the prestigious award for Best Hotel in the World with a score of 99.29 out of 100. The grand setting for the hotel is on the banks of Lake Pichola on the 200-year old hunting grounds of the Maharana of Mewar. The grounds include a 20-acre wildlife sanctuary, verdant gardens, and the spectacular hotel itself with domes and covered walkways and gorgeous views of the sparkling Lake Pichola. It’s a staff favorite at Ker & Downey. Explore the romance and splendor of the Oberoi Hotel Udaivilas and several other Oberoi properties with our Treasures of India journey.

Ker & Downey President David Marek with Mr. Oberoi

Ashford Castle, a 26,000 acre estate in Ireland came in third on the list this year, but is consistently ranked as one of the top resorts in Europe. With a 784-year old history, and after a $75 million renovation, the castle boasts 20th century amenities, set on Ireland’s second largest lake. While there, guests can enjoy falconry, clay shooting, archery, fishing, kayaking, and a host of other activities.

Also making the top 10 list this year, Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma California comes in at number 8. It’s a romantic inn with a Michelin-starred restaurant, award-winning spa, and the perfect place from which to explore California’s wine country. Taste some of the finest vintages from the region’s first wineries and take in the luxurious lifestyle of Sonoma County wine country on our 9-day journey through California.

Best Lodges & Resorts in Africa & The Middle East

Singita Sabi Sand took top honors this year as the Best Lodge and Resort in Africa and the Middle East. It also made the top 10 list as number 7 in the world for the World’s Best Hotels. Two lodges make up the Singita Sabi Sand – Singita Boulders Lodge, a lodge with high-design and lavish comforts in the bush, and Singita Ebony Lodge which was just refurbished and is a contemporary take on the classic safari lodge.

Best Hotel in Africa & Middle East

The Saxon is tucked away in a quiet suburb of Sandhurst, with a tree-lined avenue that disguises its proximity to the upmarket business area of Sandburg. This quiet haven is set on 6 acres of undulating landscape and the attention to detail in the 24 suites is exceptional. See it for yourself with on our Royal South Africa journey.

Best Hotel in Asia

Several of The Peninsula hotels made the list this year, with 4in the top 5 for the Best Hotels in Asia, but it was The Peninsula, Shanghai who topped the list at the coveted number 1 spot. It’s an oasis of classic luxury with glittering chandeliers and marble floors, set in the historic city. Several of our favorite Eastern China itineraries feature The Peninsula Shanghai so you can explore the international hub of Shanghai in utmost style and luxury.

Best Hotel in South America

Belmond Miraflores Parkin Lima, Peru secured the top spot as the Best Hotel in South America this year. The hotel, located in the exclusive Miraflores district, is renowned for its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and has one of the city’s top rooftop infinity pools offering equally stunning views. It’s an excellent choice for your first night in Peru!

Best Resorts in Central & South America

The Nayara Hotel & Gardens is one of Costa Rica’s top hotels and this year, it tops the list as the Best Resort in Central and South America. It is surrounded by emerald green forests and tropical gardens and every angle of the hotel has views of the Arenal Volcano, one of the youngest active volcanoes in the Southern Hemisphere. Explore the Arenal Volcano and enjoy a stay at the Nayara Hotel & Gardens with our 10-day Venture to the Volcanoes journey.

Best Hotel in South Pacific

The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is located in the historic Rocks district with iconic views of the city outside each window of the 34-floor hotel. This class hotel took top honors as the Best Hotel in the South Pacific, and for good reason. It has some of the most luxurious accommodations in Sydney. Explore the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney and a host of other award-winning properties on our 13-day Escape Down Under journey.

Best Hotels in Europe

Though it didn’t take top billing this year, Le Bristol did come in third for Best Large City Hotels (more than 100 rooms) in Europe. The prestigious Le Bristol in Paris boasts a 90-year history with luxurious 18th century-styled apartments, Michelin-starred cuisine, and an authentic art-de-vivre along the fashionable rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. It’s the perfect addition for any stay in Paris on your next journey through France.

World’s Best Safari Outfitter

This year we earned the coveted #1 spot as the World’s Best Safari Operator. Based on a perfect score of 100, Ker & Downey received an outstanding 98.44 from the combined scores of readers’ surveys. Read more about our award for World’s Best Safari Outfitter on the blog.

Ready to visit these award-winning hotels yourself? Contact your Ker & Downey Travel Specialist to begin planning your next journey. To stay up to date on all of our online content, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.